Ricardo "Richard" Flores

1953 - 2024

Ricardo "Richard" Flores

May 25, 1953

July 24, 2024

Richard Flores slipped peacefully into eternal rest on July 24th, 2024, at his love-filled home, surrounded by his family. He was born to Rufino and Margarita Flores on May 25th, 1953, in San Benito, Texas. He leaves on this earth his loving wife of 51 years, Janie Flores (Becerra), and his three children: Lucinda Baturin (Daniel), Melissa Moreno (Bryan), and Richard Flores (Elizabeth). He was also a loving grandpa (GPa) to his grandkids Nicolas, Kristen, Owen, Gwenyth, and Quinntin. He is also survived by his sisters Elvira Guillen and Esther Navarro, along with a large extended family of nieces and nephews, cousins, and his uncle, Jose Reyes. He is preceded in death by his parents, brothers Reynaldo, Roberto, Rufino Jr., Rogelio and Ruben, and his sister Estela.

Though he was born in Texas, he was a long-time resident of Porterville. He was well-known throughout the community due to his over-30 year tenure at the front counter of Jim's Auto Parts, followed by a few years at Farmers Tractor. Prior to that, he worked in various locations, including El Futuro Credit Union, a van-conversion factory, and as a farmhand pulling hoses with his longtime best friend Fernando Carrera, who would later be his Best Man at his wedding.

He met his bride and first love, Janie, when he was 16 and she was 17. They wed on March 31st, 1973 at St. Anne's Church. The following year, they were blessed with their first child, Lucinda (Lucy). Shortly after, in 1975, they were blessed again with their second daughter, Melissa. Affectionately known as Poppy, he and Janie (Mommy) were very active in raising their young daughters, volunteering for events and even coaching their youth baseball team. Nine years later, in 1984, he finally got his long-awaited son and fishing buddy, Richard (Ricky).

He was the best example of a family man. Faithfully devoted to his wife, and a shining example of how to love to his children, Richard built a close-knit family that will forever miss his physical presence, but will never forget the lessons and values he taught them.

Outside of his family, Richard had a huge network of friends. He had countless nicknames for his buddies, and never hesitated to stop and have a chat while out in public. Although he was not a man of many words, those he did speak were either incredibly valuable, or incredibly hilarious.

A lifelong 49er Faithful, and huge Dodger fan, Richard also enjoyed the Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune hour and watched almost every night. A very hands-on man, he enjoyed projects around the house, including proudly maintaining his pool, garden, and barbecue. Most of all, he loved his 1962 Chevrolet C-10 pickup, that was driven by all 3 of his kids in their high school years. In his free time, he enjoyed fishing, and had a good time even if he came home empty-handed. He also took pleasure in finding a good-paying blackjack table at the casino where he could spend an hour or two, or even more if he was winning. Coming from a musical family, he enjoyed blasting his Country and Mexican music while manning his grill. Richard also loved his mother-in-law's (Mom's) cooking and often stopped by for a visit on his lunch hour for tortillas and chilé.

Those who wish to pay their respects and say their goodbyes to Richard are invited by the family to join them at Myers Funeral Chapel, 248 N E St., on Monday, August 5th, for visitation/viewing from 4-6PM, with the Holy Rosary to begin at 6PM. The Funeral Mass for Richard will take place on Tuesday, August 6th, at 9AM in St. Anne's Church, 378 N F St., with burial to follow at Porterville (Hillcrest) Cemetery. A reception for Richard's friends and loved ones will follow interment at the Myers Reception Hall, across the street from the chapel.